I'm going to have to say fir. Based on the first pic I could have also gone with white pine, but the pic with it stained is the giveaway. I wouldn't recommend staining it without conditioner or sealer, or its going to look more or less like the last pic, IOW awful. IMO. Unless you like the zebra look. Casey

Your new buffet is quite charming in style and you will find yourself enjoying the functionality for dining & entertaining with it too. I love the mix of painted furniture with wood. Is the current table solid wood or is it finished with a wood laminate top? The dining chairs are timeless. The seat cushions are easy to care for with grandkids yet can loose their shape overtime which are easy to replace. You can mix woods but it must be done very carefully. The table and chairs do not need to be as dark as the buffet top but they do need to have those chocolate brown undertones. The photo is a little dark so it's hard to confirm the exact wood species of the buffet top to work from for color. But hopefully this design information will guide your direction. All the best, LINDA CHITTOCK STUDIO

the island would be a good place to work on some details reflecting your taste. Beadboard could be added in a great painted color. You can change the island top. You can pursue the pendant lighting idea. Then back to the wall area,,,,,change the counter there or at least install a backsplash . Add hardware to your cabinets. And of course painting the walls . Your cabinets will be great to work with , as is. Set a budget and that large island is where I'd start.....and save money for stools with backs to gain comfortable seating.

You've got some nice wood pieces. Did your father make most all of them? Regarding the paint color. I always feel paint color should be decided once everything is selected. I'm guessing that the Builder has a couple of paint selections that were chosen to go with the finishes that are being offered so if I were you at this point I would make notes as you are doing but wait to see what you select for the other finishes and then see if the Builder's paint colors will work for you. If none of them do, at that point you can determine if you are going to "up-grade" (he may not even offer the opportunity for you to stray from the color choices) or just paint the walls a non-descriptive color and have them painted later with your own painter. When is your meeting at the Design Center?